/ 21 September 1999

NIA AGENTS INVESTIGATED

SOUTH Africa has in the last four years investigated 132 of its secret service and intelligence agents for misconduct and criminal charges including murder and gold trafficking. Intelligence Minister Joe Nhlanhla said in a written reply presented in parliament on Monday that one National Intelligence Agency member was found guilty of murder Another 10 intelligence agents and eight secret service agents are facing murder and attempted murder charges, Nhlanhla said. Fourteen other agents are being investigated for fraud and theft, two for smuggling platinum and two for illegally selling gold, he said. Investigations have so far resulted in the dismissal of 10 agents for charges including fraud, insubordination and absenteeism.